Savannah Wrongful Death Lawyers

Lost a Loved One in Savannah Due to Negligence? Give Us a Call

There are few things harder in life than losing someone you love. When that loss is sudden and caused by someone else’s negligence, the grief takes on a heavier weight. It might have been a car accident, a medical oversight, or a workplace accident; whatever the cause, the reality of it is devastating. And while you’re still processing the emotional fallout, you may find yourself thrust into a complicated legal and financial maze. In these moments, it helps to have someone who understands the process and can shoulder some of the burden.

wrongful death trial - Savannah Wrongful Death Lawyers

At Thompson Law, our Savannah wrongful death lawyers don’t treat your loss like a legal case; they treat it like a human tragedy that deserves justice and compassion. Our job is to help you navigate the aftermath with clarity and to fight for accountability and support for your family’s needs. Call us for a FREE CONSULTATION today.

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What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death in Savannah?

Georgia law defines wrongful death as one caused by the “negligent, reckless, intentional, or criminal” acts of another party. That includes both individuals and institutions. If the person who died would have been able to file a personal injury lawsuit had they survived, then a wrongful death claim can usually be brought by surviving loved ones.

Many wrongful death cases in Savannah involve fatal vehicle collisions, surgical mistakes, workplace incidents in the Port of Savannah area, or unsafe premises. Others may stem from violent crime or dangerous products. In every case, the common thread is that the death was preventable.

If you’re not sure whether your situation qualifies, contact our Savannah wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Savannah?

Georgia law sets clear guidelines on who has the legal authority to bring a wrongful death claim.

Typically, the surviving spouse is first in line. If there is no spouse, the right passes to the children. When there are no children or spouse, the deceased’s parents may file. In the absence of surviving family members, the estate’s personal representative can pursue the claim on behalf of the next of kin.

Each eligible party may have the right to seek damages for their personal losses. It’s also worth noting that when children are involved, the surviving spouse must act in their interest and share any awarded damages accordingly. If there’s a disagreement among eligible parties, the courts can step in to settle the matter.

Our legal team can help you learn your rights and assist you through the filing process. Contact Thompson Law’s Savannah wrongful death attorneys for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

What Compensation Can Families Recover in a Savannah Wrongful Death Case?

Under Georgia law, compensation in wrongful death claims is divided into two categories.

First, there’s the “full value of the life” of the deceased. This includes both economic value (lost income, retirement benefits, health insurance) and intangible value (the relationships, experiences, and day-to-day presence that have been lost). Courts consider what the person meant to their family and their community, not just what they earned.

Second, separate compensation may be awarded for costs tied directly to the death. This could cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and any pain and suffering the person endured before passing.

Each case is unique, and the calculation of damages is often complex. That’s why attorneys frequently bring in experts like economists, doctors, grief counselors to fully document what’s been lost.

If you’ve lost a loved one because of negligence, reach out to our Savannah wrongful death lawyers today. Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION and let’s discuss your legal options and next steps.

Unique Legal Challenges in Proving Wrongful Death Cases in Savannah

Some wrongful death cases are relatively straightforward but many are not.

Medical malpractice claims, for example, often hinge on expert testimony. Cases involving government agencies, like city transit or public hospitals, require meeting shorter deadlines and filing special notices under Georgia’s sovereign immunity rules. Some incidents involve multiple potentially liable parties, such as a driver and a third-party contractor who failed to maintain a roadway.

And then there are situations where there simply isn’t much documentation; no witnesses, no video footage, no clear trail.

These cases take skill, patience, and deep legal knowledge to move forward effectively. If you’re going through one of these challenges, contact our Savannah wrongful death lawyers for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

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Calculating the Full Value of a Life Lost in a Wrongful Death Case

There’s no calculation that can fully express what a person’s life meant to their family but, under Georgia law, families can pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses in a wrongful death case.

Economic Losses

  • Lost wages and future earnings, including raises, promotions, and bonuses the deceased would likely have earned.
  • Medical and funeral expenses, such as hospital care, ambulance service, and burial or cremation costs.
  • Lost benefits, like retirement contributions, pensions, or health insurance coverage.
  • Household services the person used to provide—cooking, cleaning, maintenance, childcare, etc.

Non-Economic Losses

  • Pain and suffering of the surviving family.
  • Loss of love, guidance, and companionship, especially for surviving spouses, children, or parents.
  • Emotional trauma, grief, and life disruption.

The Emotional Impact of a Wrongful Death Claim in Savannah

The courtroom isn’t where most people want to be while grieving. But for many families, taking legal action brings a sense of purpose when things feel out of control.

Filing a wrongful death claim can help you understand what went wrong. It can create a record that honors your loved one’s life and puts accountability on paper. And while financial compensation doesn’t fix the emotional wound, it can help relieve pressure by giving your family space to focus on healing.

If your family is going through a tragic loss, contact our Savannah wrongful death attorneys for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Common Accidents That Lead to Wrongful Death Claims in Savannah

Wrongful death claims in Savannah often arise from accidents involving negligence or avoidable hazards. These incidents affect people from all walks of life and can happen in public spaces, workplaces, and even healthcare settings.

  • Motor Vehicle Accidents:  Fatalities involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians are common, especially on roads like I-16, Bay Street, and Abercorn Street. Speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving are frequent culprits.
  • Medical Malpractice:  Misdiagnoses, delayed treatments, and surgical errors in hospitals have led to avoidable deaths.
  • Construction & Port Accidents:  The Port of Savannah and ongoing construction zones across Chatham County have been linked to fatal falls, equipment failures, and safety violations.
  • Defective Products:  Faulty consumer products or malfunctioning machinery can cause fatal injuries, triggering claims against manufacturers or distributors.
  • Nursing Home Neglect:  Inadequate care or failure to monitor vulnerable residents has tragically led to deaths in assisted living facilities across Savannah.
  • Emergency Response Failures: Delays in ambulance response or emergency triage, particularly in rural parts of Chatham County, can result in avoidable fatalities.

If a preventable accident led to your loved one’s death, your family may be eligible to seek justice through a wrongful death claim. Reach out to Thompson Law’s Savannah wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

At Thompson Law

Our Savannah wrongful death lawyers are here to stand by your side, gather the evidence needed to prove your case, and fight for justice. We pursue full compensation to help ease the financial burdens and give your family the support needed to move forward during this difficult time.

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Who Can Be Held Liable for a Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death claims aren’t always aimed at just one person. In many cases, responsibility is shared.

A driver might be liable, but so might a government agency if road conditions contributed to the crash. A hospital might be at fault for a surgical error, but the manufacturer of a defective device could also be responsible.

A property owner might share liability with a security contractor after a violent incident.

Even bars and restaurants can be held accountable under Georgia’s “dram shop” laws if they overserve alcohol to someone who then causes a deadly accident.

The goal is to identify everyone who contributed to the tragedy so that justice reflects the full picture. Even in grief, taking the right steps early can preserve your legal rights and strengthen your case.

High-Risk Roads and Intersections in Savannah

Savannah has several high-risk intersections and corridors where serious or fatal accidents occur far too often. These areas are known for heavy traffic, poor visibility, or dangerous driving conditions:

  • Abercorn Street & DeRenne Avenue:  One of the busiest intersections in Savannah—frequent site of rear-end collisions and pedestrian incidents due to high traffic volume and lane confusion.
  • I-16 & Chatham Parkway:  A major interchange with heavy freight traffic from the Port of Savannah. Sudden merging and speeding contribute to a high accident rate.
  • Skidaway Road & Victory Drive:  A challenging intersection with mixed residential and commercial traffic. Frequent turning accidents and pedestrian injuries have occurred here.
  • King George Blvd & Abercorn Street:  Known for high-speed traffic and limited left-turn visibility has seen several multi-vehicle crashes.
  • Montgomery Street & Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd:  In the downtown core, these intersections can be dangerous due to dense pedestrian activity and confusing signal timing.
  • Truman Parkway:  A scenic but high-speed corridor. Multiple fatal crashes have occurred during wet weather and late-night driving.

Local Laws and Statutes That Govern Wrongful Death in Savannah

Wrongful death cases in Savannah are governed by Georgia statutes, mainly under O.C.G.A. § 51-4.

Here’s what’s important to know:

  • Georgia allows the family to recover the “full value of the life” of the deceased.
  • Unlike some states, Georgia places no cap on wrongful death damages.
  • When filing against a government agency, a notice of claim must be submitted within six months.

Medical malpractice claims must include an expert affidavit at the time of filing. This requirement helps filter out frivolous suits but also places a burden on families to act quickly and gather expert support early in the process.

Steps to Take After an Accident in Savannah

Even in grief, taking the right steps early can preserve your legal rights and strengthen your case. Here’s what you need to do when dealing with a wrongful death incident in Savannah:

What to Do First

  • Obtain a death certificate from the Chatham County Health Department.
  • Collect medical records and bills, especially ER reports and hospital documentation.
  • Gather financial documentation:
    • Pay stubs, tax returns, and employment benefits information.
    • Receipts for funeral and cremation services.
  • Document household services the deceased performed, such as childcare, cooking, or yard work.

Seek Legal Help

  • Contact a Savannah wrongful death attorney to:
    • Identify liable parties (drivers, doctors, employers, product manufacturers, etc.).
    • Estimate the value of your claim.
    • File paperwork within required deadlines.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Savannah

In Savannah, the deadline to file a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of death. This is known as the statute of limitations.

However, there are exceptions. If the death resulted from a crime, the clock may pause while the criminal case proceeds. If the estate hasn’t yet entered probate, that can also delay the timeline. And when suing a public entity, you often have as little as six months to give notice.

Missing the deadline could mean losing your right to file, so it’s important to act promptly and speak to an attorney early. Contact our Savannah wrongful death lawyers today for a FREE CASE REVIEW so that you can be confident in knowing that your claim is filed on time.

Will a Wrongful Death Claim Affect Probate?

Wrongful death claims and probate are two different processes. A wrongful death lawsuit is about the family’s losses, while probate manages the deceased’s property and debts.

Someone might be entitled to damages from a wrongful death lawsuit without being named in the will. On the flip side, someone who stands to inherit under the will may have no role in the wrongful death claim. The two processes sometimes run side by side, but one doesn’t automatically impact the other.

Take Action Today with Thompson Law’s Savannah Wrongful Death Lawyers

No one should have to navigate a wrongful death alone. If someone else’s actions took your loved one from you, we’re here to help you seek justice and find a way forward.

At Thompson Law in Savannah, we understand the emotional, legal, and financial weight of these cases. There’s no cost to speak with us. And we won’t charge you anything unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

We’re ready when you are. Let’s talk about what happened and how we can help.

Contact our wrongful death lawyers in Savannah today for your FREE CASE REVIEW. Let us help you move forward and seek the closure you deserve.

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FAQs About Wrongful Death Cases in Savannah

Can I still file a wrongful death claim if my loved one had pre-existing health conditions?

Yes. A pre-existing condition doesn’t cancel out negligence. If someone’s actions worsened their condition or directly led to their death, a claim may still be valid.

What if multiple family members disagree on whether to file a wrongful death lawsuit?

The right to file usually falls to a specific person under Georgia law. If disputes arise, the court can resolve them, ensuring the process continues fairly.

Is it too late if the person died weeks or months after the accident?

Not necessarily. If the death can be traced back to the original incident, a wrongful death claim may still be possible.

Will filing a wrongful death claim affect any life insurance payouts we received?

No. Life insurance payouts are separate from legal claims and won’t prevent you from pursuing a wrongful death case.

What happens if the person responsible for the death was also a family member?

It’s painful, but legal accountability still matters. Even when family is involved, the courts can assign responsibility and manage the case through the estate.

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Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.